How To Slipcover an Ottoman (Again!)

In my early days of blogging, one of the first slipcover projects I did was a zebra-print cover I made for a little $8 thrift store ottoman. It was a fun little project that still gets pinned on Pinterest often (despite my terrible photography!). The original post is here if you’d like to check it out.

This ottoman gets a lot of use since it’s the perfect height for my chairs. We’ve been using it for 6 years now, but it was needing a little change. So when I found this gorgeous indigo blue print fabric at Hobby Lobby recently, I decided it would be perfect for re-covering it.

My slipcovering process is as simple as 1-2-3, and this one took less than an hour! As you can see, I didn’t even bother taking it to the craft room to do this project. Since my zebra print cover was just a slip-on, I just removed it to start over…

My first step when making these ottoman slipcovers is to place the fabric over the stool, right-side-down. If possible, center a main design or motif for a more professional finish.

Next, I cut the excess fabric all around the bottom, allowing 1-2 inches extra length for wrapping under the bottom later.

Then, pull the fabric tightly to each corner, pinning along the corner it to create a guideline for sewing. If you prefer, mark the line with a pencil for an even more defined guideline.

Once the fabric has been fitted and pinned, carefully remove the fabric and sew along each pinned guideline. Once you’ve sewn, place the fabric back on (still wrong-side-out) to see if adjustments need to made. I usually have to make a few adjustments to make sure the fabric is a snug fit, but not too tight.

When you’re satisfied with the way it fits, trim the excess fabric near each seam, turn the fabric right-side-out, and fit it back onto the stool!

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The last steps are to remove the feet of the stool, wrap the bottom edge around the bottom, and staple in place!

If you don’t have a staple gun, here is the one I use for all kinds of projects like this. I’ve had mine for years and it’s a must-have for DIY!

Just staple the fabric edge all round on the underside, screw the feet of the stool back in, and it’s done!

I am loving the new look on our old, functional ottoman! And I also love my new blue velvety fabric I used to make this pillow (also from Hobby Lobby!). I just went back for more of this for another project I’ll show you soon!

This little ottoman gets moved all over the room since this is where the girls sit while I do their hair. I’m still trying to decide if I like it better with the gold chair or the green!

Both Scout and I are totally happy with how it turned out, so we’ll probably stick with this design for awhile! And if and when I do decide to change it, at least I know it will be easy! More fall decor coming soon! How is your fall decor coming along?

If you’d like to see the easy fur-covered ottoman makeover I did for Abby’s room, check that out here!